Press Release Article

JOHN F. KENNEDY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT LED TOP 25 U.S. AIRPORTS IN PASSENGER TRAFFIC GROWTH IN 2003

Date: Oct 28, 2004Press Release Number: 129-2004

John F. Kennedy International Airport led the nation\'s top 25 airports in passenger traffic growth last year, according to a study released last week by the Federal Aviation Administration. From 2002 to 2003, Kennedy Airport registered a passenger traffic growth rate of 8 percent.

The Port Authority attributed the increase to the highly competitive airline market in New York, a rebound in international travel and greater efficiency and improvements resulting from an aggressive multibillion-dollar redevelopment program.

Port Authority Chairman Anthony R. Coscia said, \"Traffic growth at Kennedy Airport is a clear indication that the Port Authority is seeing the fruits of its commitment to provide the traveling public with world-class services. Along with our airport partners, we have invested $9.4 billion at Kennedy Airport, which has delivered new and redeveloped terminals, a new roadway system, upgraded utilities, new parking garages and AirTrain JFK.\"

Port Authority Vice Chairman Charles A. Gargano said, \"The successes at Kennedy Airport, which serves about 35 million passengers annually, are critical to the economic vitality of this region. As an economic engine for New York City, the airport is home to more than 35,000 jobs and it drives more than $30 billion in annual economic activity, which generates an additional 265,000 jobs.\"

Port Authority Executive Director Kenneth J. Ringler, Jr. said, \"The increase in passenger traffic is a testament to the leadership of Governor Pataki and the commitment of the men and women of the Port Authority who have made Kennedy Airport one of the world\'s premiere gateways. The airport is undergoing an unprecedented redevelopment program and these investments are vital if we are to remain economically competitive - locally, nationally and globally.\"

Port Authority Director of Aviation William R. DeCota said, \"The improvements we are making today will benefit the traveling public for decades to come. For example, earlier this year, our Board of Commissioners approved a $179 million program that will maintain the airport in a state of good repair, while also preparing the airport for the next generation of quieter, more-efficient aircraft. In addition to these investments, passenger traffic growth is being spurred by successful airlines such as JetBlue Airways and a rebound in international travel.\"

In addition to the growth at Kennedy Airport, passenger traffic rose 3 percent at LaGuardia Airport last year and 1 percent at Newark Liberty International Airport.

Overall, the New York/New Jersey region is the busiest in the nation in terms of passenger boarding. More than 90 million passengers used John F. Kennedy International, Newark Liberty International and LaGuardia airports in the 12 months ending August 31, 2004.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey operates many of the busiest and most important transportation links in the region. They include John F. Kennedy International, Newark Liberty International, LaGuardia and Teterboro airports; AirTrain JFK and AirTrain Newark; the George Washington Bridge; the Lincoln and Holland tunnels; the three bridges between Staten Island and New Jersey; the PATH (Port Authority Trans-Hudson) rapid-transit rail system; the Port Authority- Downtown Manhattan Heliport; Port Newark; the Elizabeth-Port Authority Marine Terminal; the Howland Hook Marine Terminal on Staten Island; the Brooklyn Piers/Red Hook Container Terminal; and the Port Authority Bus Terminal in midtown Manhattan. The agency also owns the 16-acre World Trade Center site in Lower Manhattan.

The Port Authority is financially self-supporting and receives no tax revenue from either state.